Cowboys @ 49ers
Final Score: 49ers 30, Cowboys 24
Writer: Darian Hudock (@DarianQB_List)
Looking at the box score may lead you to believe this was a much closer matchup than what actually played out on the football field. A classic tale of two halves saw Dallas take a 10-6 lead into the half, playing strong defense. Before you could realize what happened, it was 27-10, and the 49ers swapped to a “don’t lose” game plan that allowed a comeback from Dallas. CeeDee Lamb tried his best to will the Cowboys back into it, but the defense couldn’t contain shifty WR Deebo Samuel or QB Brock Purdy, who consistently hurt them with his legs. Ultimately, San Fransisco never got threatened and earned a commanding win over a struggling Dallas team.
Two Up
- Brock Purdy – Impressive game running the ball, if this continues, he could become a weekly QB1.
- George Kittle – Showed out on National TE Day and could be the best TE in fantasy from now on.
Three Down
- Jordan Mason – Injured early in the game, facing CMCs return after the upcoming bye.
- SF Wide Receivers – If your name isn’t Ricky or Deebo, you didn’t even record a reception Sunday night.
- Dak Prescott – A tough start to the game saved by “garbage time” defense.
Dallas Cowboys
Quarterback
Dak Prescott: 25/38, 243 Yards, 2 TD, 2 INT
It was a tough game for Dak, who failed to find any rhythm throwing the football throughout the night. He struggled mightily whenever targeting pass-catchers not named Ceedee Lamb or Jake Ferguson. Two bad interceptions helped turn the momentum back towards the 49ers and hampered his fantasy production, the little there was. Fresh off a contract extension, fantasy managers expect more from Prescott while quarterbacking “America’s Team.” The box score looks much better than the game was played Sunday night.
Running Back
Ezekiel Elliott: 10 Rushes, 34 Yards, 1 TD, 1 Target, 1 Reception, 4 Yards
Many wondered how the Dallas backfield would break down with Dalvin Cook elevated from the practice squad and Rico Dowdle a late scratch due to illness. Zeke earned a majority of the work, including all of the ever-important goalline work. Zeke ended up scoring a TD to save his day, but it was more of the same ineffective, inefficient running we’ve seen all season.
Dalvin Cook: 6 Rushes, 12 Yards, 1 Target, 1 Reception, 10 Yards
While it was nice to see Cook on the field, we didn’t see much to give us hope he will become a usable fantasy asset. He showed a straightforward, non-exciting running style and only mustered 2 yards per carry behind Dallas’ offensive line. At this point, none of the RBs in this backfield appear usable in fantasy.
Wide Receiver/Tight End
Ceedee Lamb: 17 Targets, 13 Receptions, 146 Yards, 2 TD
The game plan was obvious from the start: get the ball in Ceedee’s hands early and often. In a quiet first half that saw his QB struggle, Ceedee still commanded a 47% target share… 47 PERCENT! This continued the rest of the game, with Lamb earning 17 targets on the night. On back-to-back drives late in the game, Lamb caught wide-open touchdown passes that didn’t see an SF defender within 5 yards of him. While the defense wasn’t as committed in those moments, the volume and talent Ceedee brings to the table make for an elite fantasy player.
Jalen Tolbert: 3 Targets, 3 Receptions, 44 Yards
If your name wasn’t Ceedee Lamb, you weren’t having a good game Sunday night. Tolbert worked the deep areas of the field for the Cowboys, converting on two key first downs in the second half. Ultimately not much came from Tolberts night, despite running routes on almost every Dallas dropback.
Jake Ferguson: 8 Targets, 6 Receptions, 23 Yards
Ferguson’s box score looks closer to that of a running back than that of a pass catcher. He consistently caught passes near the line of scrimmage and provided a security blanket for QB Dak Prescott. Every time he touched the ball, 49ers defenders were immediately able to drop him for no RAC opportunity. Fantasy managers in PPR leagues will be happy, but others will be looking for more from Ferguson going forward.
San Francisco 49ers
Quarterback
Brock Purdy: 18/26, 260 Yards, 1 TD, 8 Rushes, 56 Yards, 1 TD
What a great game from Brock “Michael Vick” Purdy, who tore up the Cowboys’ defense through the air and on the ground in what looked like an easy win for the 49ers. You may have noticed his new moniker, fitting due to his 8 rushes for 56 yards. Purdy consistently used his quick feet and acceleration to break plays open or extend them throughout the night. Kyle Shanahan even dialed up a few designed runs for him, something we’re not used to seeing from Purdy. In addition to his rushing production, Purdy put on a masterclass through the air. He was lethal against the blitz and delivered strikes with great anticipation and precision. If this rushing production continues, Purdy will be a QB1 week in and week out.
Running Back
Jordan Mason: 6 Rushes, 18 Yards
What could’ve been Mason’s last big game for fantasy managers ended in tragedy, with Mason exiting early in the game with another upper-body injury. Before his exit, Mason had been struggling, running straight forward instead of looking to use his blocks to develop runs. With Christian McCaffrey’s return to the lineup looming after the 49ers’ week 9 bye, Mason’s time as a usable fantasy asset may be over.
Isaac Guerendo: 14 Rushes, 85 Yards, 1 TD, 3 Targets, 3 Receptions, 17 Yards
After Jordan Mason left the game with an injury, Guerendo handled a huge portion of the 49ers’ workload, and dang… this dude is fast. The former HS track star showed great burst and patience with the ball, constantly earning more yards than the defense offered him. He also received a little work in the receiving game, which was nice to see. With the uncertainty in the San Fransisco backfield, it is unclear how Guerendo will be used going forward.
Wide Receiver/Tight End
Deebo Samuel: 7 Targets, 4 Receptions, 71 Yards, 4 Rushes, 15 Yards
With teammate Brandon Aiyuk sidelined for the year, many expect Deebo to step up as one of the top fantasy options at the position. Sunday night’s game helped reinforce that belief, with Deebo tying for the team lead in targets and earning a share of the rushing work as well. Deebo started the game hot, running a wheel route out of the backfield that saw him beat an LB in coverage for 47 yards. In another explosive play, Deebo had a 50-yard touchdown reception called back due to holding. Deebo has the volume and talent profile fantasy managers are looking for in an elite asset.
George Kittle: 7 Targets, 6 Receptions, 128 Yards, 1 TD
On National TE Day, Kittle put the finishing touch on what was a dominant day from the position. The 49ers were prepared for his explosion, providing Kittle a much-deserved championship-style belt celebrating his dominance. Throughout the night, we saw Kittle win all over the field, whether it be streaking across the middle or in goal-to-go situations. The 49ers need Kittle to make an impact, and he has proven he is up to the task, all of which will help fantasy managers lucky enough to have him on their teams.
Ricky Pearsall: 4 Targets, 4 Receptions, 38 Yards
With multiple pass catchers sidelined for this game, many were hoping the young rookie WR would step in and instantly make an impact. In the 49ers’ first drive, it appeared this may come to fruition with Pearsall catching two passes to help set up an SF field goal. After that drive, he cooled down, only earning 2 additional targets through the remainder of the game. Managers who own Pearsall will have to be wary of Jauan Jennings’s eventual return to the lineup potentially dropping Pearsall into unusable territory.